Italian Footballers Under Investigation for Illegal Betting
A new probe by Italian authorities has put 12 footballers under the spotlight for allegedly engaging in illegal betting on sports other than football. The investigation, led by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office, has implicated several high-profile players, including Weston McKennie, Sandro Tonali, Ángel Di María, and Alessandro Florenzi.
*Players Under Investigation*
The following players are reportedly under investigation:
– *Weston McKennie* (Juventus)
– *Sandro Tonali* (Newcastle United)
– *Ángel Di María* (former Juventus player)
– *Alessandro Florenzi* (Milan)
– *Nicolò Zaniolo* (Fiorentina)
– *Leandro Paredes* (Roma)
– *Raoul Bellanova* (Atalanta)
– *Samuele Ricci* (Torino)
– *Mattia Perin* (Juventus)
– *Junior Firpo* (Leeds United)
– *Matteo Cancellieri* (Parma)
– *Cristian Buonaiuto* (Padova)
*Allegations and Investigation*
The investigation centers around the players’ alleged involvement with an illegal online betting platform, where they reportedly placed bets on sports other than football, including tennis and poker. The probe began after authorities discovered a table with the players’ names while investigating a jewelry store, Elysium Group, which allegedly functioned as a bank for the betting platform.
*Potential Consequences*
While the players may face minimal legal penalties, with potential fines of up to €250, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) may still impose disciplinary actions, including suspensions. The FIGC has not yet announced whether it will launch its own investigation.
*Previous Betting Scandals*
This is not the first time Italian footballers have been embroiled in betting scandals. In 2023, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli received bans for betting on football matches. The current investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of Italian authorities to crack down on illegal betting in the sport.
